My judgement:
This book is an excellent resource for each one practising German longsword fencing, or at least trying to come to grips with it. In fact, best is to complement it with Chr. H. Tobler's "Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship", which covers the same subject. Tobler illustrates Ringeck's Fechtbuch with excellent photographs, whereas Peter Svärd (...what a name in this context) in Lindholm's book uses wonderful dynamic sketches. My experience was that when I did not grasp the concept at Lindholm (e.g. Duplieren), I looked it up at Tobler and vice versa. The advantage of sketches is that they allow to indicate sword movements, where Tobler needs a sequence of photographs. On the other hand the photographs allow closer study of hand and blade posture during a particular technique.
To overcome what print-media cannot transmit - the dynamics of sword movement, I recommend the training DVD of agilitas.tv, where Alex Kiermayer and Hans Helm show exactly the same stuff in motion. Well, then it's your task to find a partner and try it out!

The Book:
Peter Lindholm, like C.H. Tobler, builds on the original text of Ringeck's manuscript in medieval German. He works through Ringeck's Fechtbuch topic by topic, giving the original German textbite, a translation in English, and a sequence of sketches and additional text to explain what happens. Lindholm has altered the sequence from Ringeck's manuscript for didactical reasons which is a big step forward. In addition he boils down the concept and ideas of Liechtenauer's art to some key messages and successfully transfers this to the reader.
This is another value added compared to studying the original text.
We learn that the core of Liechtenauer's system of fencing is simplicity, speed, being in "vor" - and in consequence lethality. In this context I appreciate that Peter Svärd does not hesitate to show hapless opponents with swords thrust through their body and neck, skulls about to split and blood spilled.
Didactically good is the coloured four-segmented garment the fighters wear, to always indicate the "four openings". And for consistency reasons, in order not to confuse the student, the aggressor is always on the left, the opponent on the right.

There is also some "Bonus material" I appreciated. Some practical hints on test-cutting, and Peter Johnsson's essay about the sword blade and his advice on how to sharpen a sword! I just missed the proper first-aid hints in case blood is finally spilt ;-)

Well, maybe the book should have been named more appropriately "Sigmund Ringeck's Deadly Art of the Longsword", which is doubtless what Liechtenauer had in mind...

A great book, which earns a prominent place in the bookshelf!

—Updated Aug 20, 2006 :: 2 of 3 members found this review helpful